Port Jervis council hears parade recap, DPW updates and event permits

Members of the public and city committees used the meeting to share community updates and routine operational notices.

Public commenter Laura Meer thanked parade participants and announced winners of the 8th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, including Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship (Grand Marshall’s Choice Michael McCarthy Memorial Trophy), the Madison Fire Department (best presentation, first responders), Sullivan County Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (best youth group), the Tap Bridgemen (best marching unit) and the Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums (most Irish spirit). Tourism board representatives echoed thanks and named Drew as the 2026 Grand Marshall.

The DPW and IDA reported that the Jersey Avenue streetscape project (Fowler Street to East Main Street) is tentatively scheduled to start in late March or early April, weather permitting; the work will include sidewalk replacement and ADA-compliant crosswalks and corners. DPW also reminded residents that garbage and recycling for the weeks of March 9 and March 16 will follow the normal schedule, that pothole repairs and street sweeping are underway, and that lead-inventory letters have been mailed to all residents with instructions to complete the survey.

The council approved multiple event permits and fundraisers for Port Fire Department activities (including a shuffleboard tournament and coin-toss fundraisers on listed dates) and accepted several interdepartmental transfers and membership nominations within the fire companies.

The mayor approved an application for the soap box derby (trial runs April 26 and May 17, event June 14 with rain date June 7) and the council voted to approve the event application. The council also approved the Feb. 9, 2026 meeting minutes.

Council members asked residents to contact DPW for public-works issues and encouraged sign-up for city alerts via the website or water-bill notices.